The Unofficial Story

I promised you the unofficial version that isn't so boring. Here it goes.

This dream began when, for a lack of a better term, the stars aligned. Jenn and I were both in somewhat transitional spots in our dance careers and started discussing all the ills of running a dance company in Chicago. If only we could get space to rehearse in that was clean, well run and had modern amenities such as air conditioning. If only we could have a performance space for 100-150 people that, once again, was clean well run and had air conditioning that we didn't have to pawn off our first born to afford. (Don't think I haven't considered this at times.) This is not even putting in the pie in the sky type "needs" like mirrors and floors that don't leave you with shin splints for life. (Yeah, I got em.) You'd think this was not too much to ask in a city the size of Chicago. (To all non-dancer readers, this is a HUGE request.)

About the same time, the final star dropped in and the seed funds needed to start this venture arrived.

Our plan was simple: open a dance center that was one stop shopping for dancers and small companies. You could take class, rehearse and put up a nice sized show all in one place. This place would have marley floors, mirrors, a nice sound system (we'd like to say "state of the art" but that would be going a little overboard), a decent flexible light system and....(((GASP))) AIR CONDITIONING so that the dancers and the audience didn't die of heat exhaustion during performances. We've seen and experienced all the badly managed spaces, so we already know the things that are being done wrong.  We're not foolish enough to repeat other people's mistakes. And the final thing that is really important to us. Accessibility to public transportation (i.e. train.) It really sucks to have to walk to a bus, to take a train, to get 3 miles after a long rehearsal.

So where are we now? With the space that we're opening in the Glenwood Arts District, we've accomplished 2 out of our 3 missions. Here, we'll be able to have classes for all ages and rehearsal space. Our goal is to be here for a year(ish.) During our current residency, we'll still be looking for and building out our dream studio. It can be done.

We now need your support (and let's face it, money) to make this happen. We ARE NOT asking for a hand out. We're a for profit corporation. Here's the deal: You give us said money, and we'll give you great training and a really nice place to rehearse.

I told you that it wasn't too much to ask.....

Amy

The Official Story--Northside Dance Theater

So I'm sure that you've been wondering exactly who Northside Dance Theater is and what we do? Well here's the official business-like answer as described in our official business plan. This is the way that the banks and non-creative people like to see it. Stay tuned for more casual and truthful insights on why we're doing what we're doing. I promise that it'll be lighter reading with a hint (or smathering) of sarcasm and irony.

Happy Reading!

Northside Dance Theater Inc. was created on 04/02/2010 by Amy Russell and Jennifer Gage. Amy and Jennifer have been teaching, choreographing, producing and dancing in Chicago and throughout the US for the past 20 years.

The company is dedicated to providing the dance/theater community a warm, comfortable,
well managed place to rehearse. In addition we will be offering dance classes in the areas of ballet, jazz, hip-hop and modern for students of all ages and levels of dance. Our goal is to provide a warm and friendly environment for learning, performing and enjoying dance.

A major issue in the Chicago dance community is the lack of adequate rehearsal and teaching spaces. The majority of the existing spaces are in inconvenient locations, in disrepair and/or are poorly managed. Chicago supports a large group of dance companies that are looking for a well managed convenient place to rehearse and . In addition, the Chicago area supports a diverse community with a dedication toward the arts. There is growing population of kids in this community looking for a place to express themselves through dance.

The following are goals and objectives of Northside Dance Theater:

Provide a spacious, well run and convenient location for dance/theater companies to rehearse.

Provide additional services to dance/theater companies not commonly provided by other studios such as marketing assistance and business mentoring.

Provide dance training in the areas of ballet, jazz, hip-hop and modern for students at all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Create a studio with a warm, supportive atmosphere, which is based on satisfying its customers.

Provide continual training, benefits and incentives for staff to encourage a long-term commitment of employees.

To substantially increase profitability each year by getting more customers thru strong marketing.